* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
7pm: Benfica v Rio Ave
After their heartbreaking exit from the Europa League, Benfica welcome Rio Ave to the Estadio Da Luz on Monday. The hosts are on a four-game losing streak in all competitions, but Jorge Jesus’s men were hugely impressive against Arsenal last week.
Domestically they are in a real battle to secure a Champions League spot and this is a must-win game. They are free-flowing going forward but it’s their weak defence that has them under pressure in the Primeira Liga. Rio Ave were beaten last Sunday 1-0 when down to 10 men, but before that picked up seven points from nine in their previous three league games.
In 40 meetings between the sides Benfica have 29 wins with 85 goals scored and 34 goals conceded. The last time the sides played back in October Benfica came out on top 3-0. I expect a similar scoreline but with Rio Ave in such good form and the fact that Benfica’s defence is so poor means they can get on the score sheet.
Read More:
- Check out all the latest Football tips and previews now
- MORE TIPS: Phil Thompson’s best bets for Everton v Southampton
8pm: Everton v Southampton
Everton host Southampton live on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. The Toffees are on a high after their first win at Anfield in Premier League history while Southampton have completely lost their way with only one league win to their name this year.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to start after his recovery from injury which is a huge boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Danny Ings’ form has dipped since making a great start to the season with just two goals since the turn of the year . Both teams have serious attacking options and coupled with poor defences means goals will be expected on Monday.
Everton have only five clean sheets to their name this season and it’s their poor home form which will give Southampton confidence of getting a result. Southampton’s defensive woes are there for everyone to see and I expect plenty of goalmouth action. In seven of the last eight meetings between the sides both teams have scored. This could be a cracker!
8pm: Real Madrid v Real Sociedad
Real Madrid welcome Real Sociedad on Monday night with Zinedine Zidane’s side looking to close the gap on neighbours Atletico Madrid. Despite a horrific injury list, Real are in great form at present with five straight wins in all competitions and lie third in La Liga just three points behind Atletico.
Sociedad showed the good and the bad against Manchester United in the Europa League recently conceding four goals in the first leg (‘at home’ in Turin). They are in excellent form in La Liga, though, winning three of their last five and currently occupy fifth in the table. With injuries to Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard to name a few, the visitors will see this as a great opportunity to get a result and players of the quality of David Silva and Alexander Isak always give you a chance of scoring goals .
In three of the last four fixtures between the sides, there have been at least three goals with both teams scoring on three occasions. An open and high scoring game can be expected.
MORE TIPS: Everton to see off Southampton in this 14/1 Monday Night Football Bet Builder
8.15pm: Moreirense v Belenenses
With just two places and four points between these sides, there is a lot on the line in this Primeira Liga clash. It should be an even contest with the hosts having an excellent record, winning four of the last six encounters in the league.
With so much to play for I expect both teams to take chances in doing so leaving themselves open at the back. Moreirense have conceded seven goals in their last five games in the league while Belenenses come into the game on the back of a 2-1 win against Nacional. With not much between the sides and so much at stake I expect a score draw in this one.
Monday’s BTTS accumulator
7pm: Benfica v Rio Ave
8pm: Everton v Southampton
8pm: Real Madrid v Real Sociedad
8.15pm: Moreirense v Belenenses
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE:
- Breaking news: Topman denies responsibility for Guardiola’s coat
- Paddy’s Hall Of Fame: Footy punter turns £10 into £10,242 with bold 12-fold acca
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW